INFERNO Bi Cries As Memories Go Up in Flames
Saliman Bi cried as she looked at what was left of the two-bedroom house her father-in-law built many years ago. The memories she shared with her loved ones was no more on Friday night. A couple who have been living in their property weren’t there at the time the incident started at around 7pm.
The 63-year-old said because she lives close to the house she alerted her husband and son who were watching a soccer game at Subrail Park, Labasa. But Ms Bi said she was happy that despite losing everything, no one got injured or lost their lives.
“The house that burned down is a family home which was built by my father-in-law 60 years ago, the house has some good fond memories,” she said.
“It is unfortunate that the house got destroyed by fire, the incident happened around 7pm. I woke up from my sleep and saw flames coming from behind of the house. I believed that the fire started from the kitchen, everything is gone.”
“No one was at home when the fire started. The couple, who live there, were in Labasa Town watching the Muslim soccer tournament. “I was alone at home when the fire started, my son and husband were at Subrail Park in Labasa watching the soccer tournament.
“I contacted them, requesting to contact National Fire Authority and to inform the couple who looks after the place of what had happened,” he said. National Fire Authority and Fiji Police were present at the scene to see to it that the fire was under control. Meanwhile, commenting on property, business and other types of fires, National Fire Authority leading firefighter Samu Cokanauato said such fires were always hard to control especially with limited access to water. Mr Cokanauto was speaking at Namalata Village, in Kubulau, Bua.
“During the visit, we witness huge bush and forest areas on fire and it was impossible to control because of lack of access,” Mr Cokanauto said.
“We also witness huge areas of pine, bush and grass areas burning.
“Infrastructures like wooden electrical poles were partly burnt as a result of the out of control bush and grass fires. In one out of control bush fire, a family house in Labasa was at risk of being destroyed by fire, but fire-fighters were able to stop the fire from damaging this very important asset. “Big pine forests have been affected by out of control bush and grass fires,” he said.
He said families needed to discuss fire safety with their children and members of the community.
Police
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the property in Naduna was vacant at the time of the incident. “The estimated cost of damage $30,000.00. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained,” she said.